Last October I was introduced to the concept of cold water therapy. It was certainly not a natural thing for me to try. Some of the stories I would find myself repeating to people were I'm not really a water person. I really feel the cold. I would take showers and baths at the hottest temperature I could get it. Right from the start the exhilaration I felt from stepping into that water was enough for me to keep going with it. I wanted to know more about it too.
My Method
I listen to a breathwork mediation which focuses on breathing in and out through the nose. Slowing the breath reduces the heart rate, creating a calmer state of mind. All I am thinking about is my breath moving in and out of my body as I get in. Almost distracting myself from the cold. I go inwards and the cold acts like an isolation tank only allowing to be in the present moment, focusing on maintaining a steady breath through my nose. This also helps to prevent the gasping & fast breathing you can experience in the shock of the cold. Instead I'm sending my body messages that I am safe & calm.
After a few moments I feel relaxed and I begin to scan my body. I notice where I am holding tension and I work on relaxing and releasing. The magic of the cold water allows me to really feel the shift when I let go of this tension & I notice the more I release the warmer I feel. I can feel the energy flowing & although I am fully aware of the cold water on my skin my heart becomes filled with warmth allowing to relax even more.
I stay in for 3 minutes. This is the time it takes for the blood to flow to your vital organs, bringing extra nutrients to your body. Sometimes it's actually harder to get out than to get in! Initially as I stepped out my brain would jump to "quick get warm get layers on!" Now I realise that the blood flow as I emerge fills me with warmth still focusing on my breath I stand and cover the pod before I go inside to wrap up & grab a towel. This is a moment where I just absorb the whole experience, checking in with how I am feeling both mind & body.
What have I learned?
I can let go of if stories I have told myself, even if they have been my story for years! I don't like water, I hate the cold, I always have my heating on full because I feel the cold... I had unknowingly surrounded myself with these limiting beliefs. Had I continued with these stories I would have deprived myself of everything I continued to learn as my journey evolved!
The realisation that by slowing my breathing I can significantly reduce how stressed I feel in a situation. Getting into cold water can be considered stressful, sending messages of panic & raising the heart rate. Your body can go into shock perceiving the cold as a threat. In fact the mere thought of the cold can raise your heart rate! With practice I am able to maintain a slow steady breathing pattern. If the water takes my breath away I can quickly return to my steady inhale/ exhale. This skill is something I can use in my daily life. It becomes an automatic response. Rather than my default being to panic, hesitate or feel that anxiety creeping in my body recognises those sensations and my focus turns to my breathing. Anchoring me back to the present moment.
Bravery and strength of mind! Especially on those darker winter mornings, when my monkey mind is shouting "don't do it!"The joy I feel in overcoming this is so empowering. An act of resilience showing me that if I can do this today then surely anything is possible.
A year on....
I find I step out of my comfort zone more often & without fear, but with interest & intrigue. I know that I can call back my power by choosing how I respond. I bring awareness to the stories I tell myself & now I always pause and ask myself "is that true?" I recognise that every moment we have brings an opportunity for change.
These are just a few of the things cold water therapy has shown me. Of course this doesn't even touch on the physical benefits such as reducing inflammation in the body, stimulation of brown fat cells, a natural insulator! I definitely feel the effects of these too.
One thing it really brings home is the attention to the energy flow within my body & mind. If you would like to explore this more contact me today and come and experience Reiki.
If you want to know more I would recommend:
Winter Swimming by Susanna Soberg
Winter Swimming: The Nordic Way Towards a Healthier and Happier Life https://amzn.eu/d/4pOjZAJ
There is also a podcast featuring Susanna on Huberman Lab Podcast.
I was introduced to cold water by Alex Howarth Yoga alexhowarthyoga.com
Check out the workshop if you are interested in getting started.
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